Illustration for Bhagavad Gita chapter 1 verse 39
Chapter 1 · Arjuna Vishada Yoga

Knowledge Brings Responsibility · Seeing Clearly Demands More

कथं न ज्ञेयमस्माभिः पापादस्मान्निवर्तितुम् । कुलक्षयकृतं दोषं प्रपश्यद्भिर्जनार्दन ।।39।।

kathaṃ na jñeyam asmābhiḥ pāpād asmān nivartitum kula-kṣaya-kṛtaṃ doṣaṃ prapaśyadbhir janārdana

Meaning

"O Janardana, why should we, who clearly see the fault in destroying the family, not know enough to turn away from this sin?"

Explanation

Arjuna reasons that greater clarity should mean greater responsibility to act rightly.

Today's Life Lesson

When you can see a wrong clearly, let that clarity guide you to act better, not just to feel troubled.

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